Scum removing device



June 2, 1931. c w. ANDERSON 1,808,279

scUM REMovING DEVICE Filed Oct. 17. 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet l June 2". C. ANDERSON scUM REMovING DEVICE Filed Oct. 17, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 C. WAndensfon/ June 2, 1.931- c. w. ANDERSON SCUM REMOVING DEVICE Filed oct. 17. 192s 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Y l 31A/vento@ C. WTAnde'r'sow l hvla Patented June 2K, 1931` UNITED STATES.

PATENT orties;

'CARL W. ANDERSON, OF NEW MARKET, NEV JERSEY, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF T0 WILLAM UI'IONT, OF DUNELLEN, NEW JEELS'EY SCUM REMOVING DEVICE Application filed October 1-7, 1929. Serial No; 400,355;

The present invention relates to improvements in liquid separation or 1purification ap'- paratus and has reference more particularly to a scum removing device.

At the present time, the systems employed in iltration beds draw oil the sludge every few days to the dry beds. This sludge is often partly decomposed and possesses a disagreeable odor. This system must beeml`- ployed on account ot the excess foam and scum which rises tothe suriace oi the vent tank and this scum soon cakes there and the gas bubbling up through the water in the vent tank causes the scum to How over the ftop of the tank thus rendering conditions very unsanitary.

It is therefore the aim ot the present invention to provide a. means for elifectively removing the scum completely as tast as the Y"same accumulates, a storage tank being pro vided for receiving the scum.

One oi the important objects of the present invention is to provide a scum removing device that includes a skimmer trough for L disposition in a stationary manner within the vent tank, means being arranged between the sides oi the skimmer trough and vent tank torv causing the scum and foam to be delivered into the trou-gh, said trough being 'provided at spaced intervals with outlet pipes at the bottom thereof for carrying off the scum to the storage tank.

A further and important-object is to provide a scum removing device that will at all "times be positive and eiiicient in its operation, the same being simple in construction, inexpensive, strong and` durable.

Other object-s and advantages of the' present invention will become apparent from the 'following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters indica-te corre-- spondiiig parts throughout the several views thereof.

Figure 1 is a plan view ot the scum removing` device showing. the same positioned within a vent tank.

Figure 2 is anenlarged side elevation of. the scum removing device.

Figure 3 is a plan view for more clearly disclosing the relationship oi the skimmer trough with respect to the vent tank andk also illustrating the longitudinallyextending float bars arranged between the sides of the vent tank and adjacent sides of the skimmer Figure 6 is an yenlarged view partly inelevation and age tank, and

Figure 7 is a detail sectional view through the trap door and adjacent portion ot the storage tank.

In the drawings wherein for the purpose partly in section of the storof illustration is shown a preferred embodi ment of the present invention, the numeral. l designates substantially rectangular shaped open top main tank within which i there is centrally located a'longitudinal-ly extending open top vent tank 2 that is adapted to be supported in the main tank 1in any suitable stationary manner. The tanks l and 2 are preferably constructed of plastic. material.

Forming a salient part of the present invention is the sectional skimmer trough. 3 that is arranged longitudinally within the vent tank 2', the ends of the skimmer trough being spaced from.l the respective ends oi the tank 2 and suitable trap doors 4f provide closures for the end portions of the vent tank. The sections of the trough may be secured together in any suitable manner-and upon referringto Figure 5 of the draw-ings it will `be observed that the trough tapers gradually toward. its bottom, the side walls of the trough being curved and the upper in the bottom thereof, said sloping faces merging with the respective outlet openings 7 formed in the bottom of each section of the skimmer trough and projecting downwardly from each outlet 7 is the angularly disposed nipple shown at 8 more clearly in Figure #t of the drawings.

The side walls of the skimmer trough 8 are spaced with respect to the adjacent side walls of the vent tank 2 in order to accommodate the wedge shaped float bars 9 that extend longitudi ally for vertical movement within the vent tank 2 between the Vent tank and the respective sides of the skimmer trough. The float bars 9 are provided for the purpose of delivering the scum and foam into the skimmer trough and the manner in which the float bars `function will be hereinafter more fully described in detail.

A series of planks 10 extend longitudinally across the central top portions of the sections of the trough 3, the same'being sup-Y ported in slight spaced relation with respect thereto by means of the supporting brackets 10 and 11. Suspended from the planks 10 for disposition longitudinally within the central upper portion of the sectional trough 3 1n the perforated sprinkler pipe shown at 12, the same having connection at one end.

tion of the vent tank 2, and upon referring to Figure 2 it will be noted that the dif*- Vcharge pipe 13 is directed downwardly at an incline toward its discharge end. The several outlet nipples .8 communicate with the main discharge pipe and .to this end the discharge pipe 13 is formed at spaced intervals with the angularly disposed nip-` ples 14 that are adapted to be arranged in alinenient with the respective nipples 8 and suitable connecting pipes 15 are arranged between the nipples 8 and 1e.

The discharge end of the pipe 1S extends through the end of the vent tank 2 as well as through the adjacentend of the main tank 1 and extends into the upper portion of a storage tank 16, shown in Figure 6. The construction of this storage tank will also be hereinafter more fully described in detail. Y

Mounted on the planks 10 are the substantially U-shaped brackets 17, each ofwhich supports the transverse driven shaft 18, the ends of the shaft 18 being journaled for rotation through the upper ends of the arms of the respective U-shaped brackets 17 and a crank 19 is associated with each end of each shaft 18. A longitudinally extending drive shaft 2O is arranged across the top of the skimmer trough 3, the same being preferably located below the transverse driven shaft 1S and suitable supports 21 eX- tend upwardly from the ends of the outermost planks to receive the drive shaft 20. One end of the drive shaft extends over the adjacent end wall of the main tank 1 and is Vadapted to be driven by any suitable source of power. The drive and driven shafts are operatively connected togetaer through the medium'of the worms and worm gears 22 and 23, respectively.V

Secured on the outer face of each arm of each U-shaped bracket 17 adjacent the lower end thereof is an open ended sleeve or cyl, inder 2Liwithin which is operable a plunger 25. The plunger is in turn operatively connected to its resp-ctive crank 19 through the medium of the connecting rods 26 while the lower end'of each plunger 25 is opera-' tively connected to the adjacent float bar 9 through the medium of the vertical rod 27.- 1n this manner, the fioat bars 9 are operatively connected with the cranks 19 associated with the driven shaft 1S whereupon said float bars will be caused to move upwardly and downwardly when the drive shaft 20 is actuated.

Guide rods28 extend downwardly from the lower edges of the float bars 9 and are disposed through suitable guide rings 29 arranged on the outer ends of certain ones of breaker rods 30 which breaker' rods extend transversely through the vlower portion of Ythe sectional skimmer trough 3 throughout the length thereof. The breaker rods are provided for the purpose of preventing the accumulation of broken sticks or other objects which would impede the removal of the scum and foam. Y

The storage tank 1G is also ypreferably constructed of plastic material and the same is for the major portion embedded 'within the ground. rlhe storage tank 16 is preferably of cylindrical formation and is pro'- vided with a conical top 31 from the apesr of `which extends-the metallic gas discharge spout 32. 1t will be noted that the discharge pipe 13 extends into the side of the tank 1G directly above the surface and the projecting portion of the body ofthe storage tank is formed at spaced intervals with the vents 33 and a trap door, 3a provides a cloreca-ave' collecting in the bottom of thestorage tank and which sludge may be zremoved andthe liquid also removed through the YpipeV 36, rthe upper end of the pipe 36 havingcommunication with the outlet pipe 38 that leads Ito a pump, not shown.

lA gate valve of any conventional -construction is arranged in the pipe L3 adjacent the end of the vent tank 2, ffthis rgate valve being show-n generally `at 39 ane the actuating `means therefor extends upwardly through'the trap door i as clearly indicated in Figure 2.

In the operation of myskimming device, the float bars 9 will be caused to move upwardly and downwardly .in the vent tank 2 thus causing the scum or foam to be discharged into the sectional skimmer trough 3 over the beveled upper edges 5 thereof and the sloping bottom walls 6 will cause `such v scum that is deliveredtofthe sectional trough to be discharged into 'the pipe 1B through the outlets 7 from which'the scum and team is carried off into the -discharge tank 16. The sprinkler pipe l2 will `wash oil" any scum or foam that maydepositon the inner side walls of thertrough and -in this manner, the scum and foam will at alltiines be removed as fast asthe same accumulates.

As the skimmer' trough is stationary in the vent tank 2, and as the water level in the sewage system-reaches a maximum and minimum,rthe trough `is preferably ilaced at the maximum or -high daily level where it will operate for six or seven hours every day and when the water falls, 4the foam in the system will still tall into thetrough vfor this foam often rises seven or eight inches above the water level'of the vent tank.

It will thus be seen from the foregoing description, that I have provided an improved scum removing device that will at all times be positive and efiicient in carrying out the purposes for which it is devised, and due to its simplicity -said scum removing device can be readily and easily installed lin a sewage system at a very low cost.

Vhile I have shown a preferred-embodiment of the invention, it is understood that minor changes of the size, shape and arrangement o parts may be resorted to without departing from the spread ofthe invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In combination with a liquid receiving tank, a skimmer trough arranged within the tank, a scum and foam discharge pipe having communication with the bottom of the trough, and means operable adjacent the exterior of the trough for delivering scum and foam into the same, and transversely disposed breaker rods extending from the lower portion `of the :trough tor disposition within the ftan'k.

l2. In combination with a liquid containing tank, a stationary skimmer trough arranged therein and` being spaced from' the side-walls ofthe tank,'a series of-outlets extending from the bottom of the trough, a main discharge `pipe having communication with -saidoutlets, float bars arranged for vertical movement between Vthe outer side walls ofthe trough'and the adjacent .sides oli' the tank for delivering scum and foam intofthe trough, and means for actuating the float bars.

'3. In combination with a liquid containing tank, a stationary skimmer-trough arranged therein and'being spaced from the sidewalls of the tank, a series of outlets extending from the bottom of the trough, a main discharge pipe having communicationwith said outlets, tloat'bars arranged for vertical movement between the outer side walls of the trough and the adjacent sides ot the tank for delivering scum and foam into the trough,` means for actuating 'the float bars, the upper edges of the sides of the trou-gh being beveled.

4. In combination with a liquid contain-v ing tank, a stationary skimmer trough arranged therein and being spaced from the side walls of the tank, a series of outlets extending from the'bottom of the trough, a main discharge pipe yhaving communication with said outlets, float bars arranged for vertical movement between the outer side walls of the trough and the adjacent sides of the tank for delivering scum and foam into the trough, means for actuating the ioat bars, and a vflush pipe extending longitudinally within the trough.

5. In combination with a-.liquid containing tank, a stationary skimmer trough arranged therein `and being spaced from the side walls of the tank, a series of outlets extending ,from the bottom of the trough, a main discharge pipe having communication with said outlets, float bars arranged for vertical movement between the'outer side walls of the trough and the adjacent sides of the tank for delivering scumand foam into the trough, means tor actuating the float bars, and transversely disposed breaker rods carried by the bottom portion of the trough and extending beyond the sides'thereof.

6. In combination with a liquid receiving tank, a skimmer trougharranged within the tank, a scum and lfoam discharge ,pipe having communication with the bottom of the trough, transversely disposed breaker rods extending from the lower portion of the trough I:tor disposition beyond the sides ofthe trough, guide rings carried bythe outer ends ofcertain breaker rods, vertically movable members arranged exteriorly of ieo ies

the sides of the trough for delivering the scum and foam into the trough, and a guide rod extending downwardly from said members and opera-ble withinY the respective guides. n A

7 In combination with a liquid receiving tank, a skimmer trough arranged therein, said trough tapering gradually toward its bottom, the bottom of the trough being formed with. opposed sloping faces, said trough being formed with a series of outlet openings located at the point of merger of each pair of sloping faces, a main discharge pipe arranged below the trough and having communication with the respective outlets.

8. In combination with a liquid receiving tank, a skimmer trough arranged therew in, said trough tapering gradually toward its bottom, the bottom of the trough being formed with opposed sloping. faces, said trough being formed with seri of outlet openings located at the point of merger of each pair of sloping faces, a main discharge pipe arranged below the trough and having communication with the respective outlets, and means operable in the tank eXteriorly of the sides of the trough for delivering the scum and foam into the trough.

9. In combination with a liquidreceiving tank, a skimmer trough arranged there in, said trough tapering gradually toward its bottom, trie bottom of the trough being formed with opposed slopingVV faces, said trough being formed with a series of outlet openings located at the point o f merger of each pair of sloping faces, a main discharge pipe arranged below the trough and having communication with the respective outlets, float bars arranged for vertical movement between the outer side walls of the trough and the adjacent sides of the tank for delivering scum and foam into the trough, and means for actuating the float bars.

l0. In combination with a liquid receiving tank, a stationary skimmer trough arranged therein and spaced from the 'sides walls of the tank, a scum and foam :discharge pipe having communication with the bottom of the trough, float bars arranged for vertical movement between the outer side' walls of the trough and thel adjacentsides of the tank for delivering the foam into the trough, actuating means for the float bars including a drive shaft arranged longitudinally above the skimmer trough, transversely disposed driven shafts connected with the drive shaft and means for opera'- tively connecting the outer ends of the transverse shafts with the float bars.

11. In combination Vwith a liquid receiving tank, a stationary skimmer trough arranged therein and spaced from the side walls of the tank, a scum and foam discharge pipe having communication with the bottom of the trough, float bars arranged for vertical movement between the outer side walls of the trough and the adjacent sides of the tank for delivering the foam into the trough, actuating means for the oat bars including a drive jshaft arranged longitudinally above the skimmer trough, transversely disposed driven shafts connected with the drive shaft, and crankand pinion connections between the outer ends of the. driven shafts and the respective float bars.

` 12. In combination with a liquid receiving tank, a stationary skimmer trough arranged therein and spaced from the side walls of the tank, a scuin'and foam discharge pipe having communication with the bottom of the trough, float bars arrangedv for vertical movement between the outer` side walls of the trough and the adjacent sides of the tank for delivering the foam into the trough, actuating means for the float bars including a drive shaft arranged longi- A tudinally above the skimmer trough, transversely disposed driven shafts connected with the drive shaft, and crank and pinion connections between the outer ends of the driven shafts and the respective float bars, and transversely disposed breaker rods carried by the bottom portion of the trough and extending beyond the sides thereof.

13. In combination with a liquid receiving tank, a stationary skimmer trough arranged therein and spaced from the side walls of the tank, a scum and foam discharge pipe having communication with the bottom of the trough, iioat bars arrange for vertical movement between the outer side walls of the trough and the adjacent sides of the tank for delivering the foam into the trough, actuating means for the ture. Y

CARL lV. ANDERSON 

